A black tie event for your pooch? That’s what’s happening at the Westin Hotel this weekend as they play host to the 12th K9 Wine and Dine event in support of Whistler Animals Galore (WAG), our local animal shelter.

K9 Wine and Dine

WAG was founded in 1982 and provides a safe and nurturing environment to homeless and lost dogs and cats in our community, helping to find them their forever homes. The K9 Wine and Dine event provides some much needed funds for this charity that assists hundreds of animals each year.

The last event brought in $20,000 and this year organizers are hopeful that they’ll beat that by raising $25,000. That sounds like a lot, but if you consider that expenses for the shelter are over $200,000 per year then it’s a drop in the ocean.

The evening will include dinner, music, silent auctions, photo booth fun and a three course meal for your dog – yum. Tickets for humans are $50, and your favourite furry friend is $25 – all proceeds go to WAG and you can get your tickets at the shelter or at Scotiabank Whistler.

The human food is whipped up by Chef Bradley Cumming and the team at the Grill & Vine. On the menu are seared scallops, braised short rib, herb polenta and carrot & pear cake to finish it all off. For the K9 diners the meal is being provided by Aunty Kim’s Better Bickies, based in Squamish. Their menu consists of tuna mousse, beef meatballs, and apple & blueberry cinnamon squares. Either menu sounds pretty amazing to us!

Gibbons Life is proud to be donating a keg of Deep Cove craft larger to help get the party started – humans only I’m afraid! Arriving on the European brewing scene in the mid-1800’s, the Munich Helles Lager has a long history of being a beer of high quality and popularity. Focused on keeping up with that tradition, the Deep Cove Brewmaster created a bright and crisp lager that displays hints of sweet malt and lemon. Cheers!

Music for the event is being provided by Monty Biggins from The Sociables.

The silent auction prizes include a 5-day Edge Card for Whistler Blackcomb, a seasons pass to the Callaghan XC-Ski area and there’s even a winter’s worth of snow plowing up for grabs!

If you still aren’t convinced that you should either attend the event, donate or volunteer here are two recent stories of success that might tempt you…

Happy Dog Tails

Kiwi was found left alone outside a grocery store in Mt.Currie until she was picked up by a local resident who attempted to find an owner and without any luck then brought her to WAG. Not too long after Kiwi found her forever home and is now happier than ever, and has made a ton of new friends! She loves eating sticks, cuddling on the couch with mom and is now getting all the love and affection she deserves.

Happy Cat Tails

Garf came to WAG very nervous and hid in his hidey hole for the first few weeks. He slowly learned to trust and love the staff at WAG and spent a few months in our Cattery. His family fell in love with Garf and adopted him in July. We thought he would spend the first few weeks hiding at his new home, but Garf was immediately happy to be home and settled in the first day. He loves the kids and loves to sleep cuddled up on their beds.

If you’re interested in finding out more about WAG or perhaps about how you might be able to help, visit their volunteer page for more info.